Weekend of Inspiration
A Conference Attendee Shares Her Thoughts
I am not sure when I first heard of the Luke Society, but I know I have been impressed with their work for many years and have wanted to be more involved for many years. Having lived overseas for several years I had often seen how easily Americans were misunderstood because of cultural and language differences when on mission trips. Upon hearing of the Luke Society’s work, I knew this had to be a more effective method to help the sick and reach the world for Jesus Christ.
When I saw that the International Conference was going to be in Grand Rapids this year, I knew there was no excuse not to attend as I was born and raised there and still have some family living in the area. I certainly did not expect to be blessed as much by the conference as I was.
I arrived for the Friday p.m. service knowing no one. I sat down near the front and center (doing just what the book of James tells us NOT to do but I figured if no one else wanted to sit up close…). I was very graciously told that the directors would be sitting there. I stood up to move and was welcomed by a couple and invited to sit by them. Within no time I felt at home. They were former PMTs and were so helpful to me over the weekend.
With so many excellent ministries all around the world it was very difficult to choose which sessions to attend during the conference. If I had one complaint it would be that I couldn't hear all the ministries and had to choose only four. I was encouraged by each speaker in the main sessions and felt “cheated” at times that we could not extend the conference to hear more!
Having lived in Latin America for a few years I narrowed my choices to countries I had visited. I have long admired the work of Dr. Ligia Camargo in Colombia’s Choco region. Having had the privilege of living in Colombia during calmer years in the 1980s part of my heart remains with the church there and I was so impressed with Dr. Ligia’s talk and her devotion to the Lord and His people in Quibdo. As an added bonus I got to meet and eat lunch with Dr. Ligia, the pastor who is the Luke Society director there and the family who is the PMT for the area. Knowing of the high rate of kidnappings and violence in Colombia, I now pray more knowledgeably for all of them and their important work.
I attended next the meetings of the Honduran ministries. I was amazed that the surgical teams that go down each year have a waiting list for medical staff as those who work the clinics each year want to return again. I figure that is truly a sign of a good ministry team! The medical clinics of Dr. Salvavarria and Pastor Mendoza are surely doing wonders for the people of Honduras.
I went to hear about the work of Dr. Hernandez in Guatemala as I have had an interest in possibly joining a PMT for his work. I have visited the incredibly beautiful area where he works over 25 years ago and twice since then. Each time, I have been struck by the contrast of the lush scenery with the poverty of the indigenous people. I met several others who were also interested in possibly serving in this are and I pray that the Lord will guide us (or whomever He chooses) to support this ministry.
Sunday morning I was blessed by the most touching communion service in which I have ever participated. It seemed like we were given a foretaste of what Heaven will be like with brothers and sisters from all over the world coming together to worship our Lord and Savior. Dr. Apolos Landa gave a stirring message to spur us on to working towards the goal of helping those without the Gospel and preventative medicine. I wish I could hear his message again and that it could be published for all Christian Americans to read. We have been blessed with so much. We must reach out and give back.
I was so pleased to get to meet Dr. and Mrs. Boelens, Rebecca and John Wasswa from Uganda and many other participants in the conference. The Spirit of the Lord reigned during the conference and surely He was glorified and continues to be glorified in the work of the Luke Society around the world.
Joy Berends